Question 1

Read the passage about the importance of breakfast and choose the best answer. According to the passage, we tend to eat unhealthy foods like chips and burgers when we have skipped the first meal of the day.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question continues with the same passage that explains why breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. The author emphasises both immediate and long term effects of skipping breakfast. The specific question asks under what condition people tend to eat unhealthy snacks such as chips, samosas, and burgers later in the morning. The correct answer must reflect the clear causal link given in the text. Given Data / Assumptions: • The passage states that skipping the first meal of the day leads to intense hunger pangs by late morning.• It then says that as a result, people end up eating chips, samosas, burgers, or other high fat unhealthy foods.• The author also notes that breakfast skippers are more likely to be overweight.• The question is asking when we eat unhealthy food, not why we become overweight. Concept / Approach: In comprehension questions about cause and effect, it is important to distinguish between the immediate condition and the later consequences. The immediate condition that triggers unhealthy eating is the fact that breakfast has been skipped, which produces strong hunger. While overweight is mentioned in the passage, it is a later result, not the specific condition that directly causes the snacking behaviour described. The correct option must therefore refer to skipping the first meal of the day. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the sentence in the passage that mentions unhealthy foods like chips, samosas, and burgers.Step 2: Note that the sentence begins with Moreover, skipping the first meal of the day leads to intense hunger pangs by late morning and we end up eating chips, samosas, burgers, or other high fat unhealthy foods.Step 3: Extract the cause: skipping the first meal of the day.Step 4: Extract the effect: we end up eating high fat unhealthy foods.Step 5: Match the causal phrase to the most appropriate option, which is we have skipped the first meal. Verification / Alternative check: Double check that the answer is not simply hunger in a general sense. The text does mention intense hunger pangs, but it clearly states that this hunger arises because the first meal has been skipped. Therefore, while hunger is part of the process, the exam style question wants the specific prior condition that is under our control, namely skipping breakfast. The wording of the correct option closely matches the phrase skipping the first meal of the day in the passage, confirming the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: we suffer from hunger is too general and does not capture the important detail that the hunger is a direct result of missing breakfast.Option b: we have become overweight refers to a consequence of repeated unhealthy eating and breakfast skipping, not to the immediate condition that leads to choosing junk food at a particular time.Option d: we love chips, burgers etc. introduces a new idea that is not supported by the passage. The author explains behaviour through hunger, not through liking or preference. Common Pitfalls: Students often choose the option that seems most generally true rather than the one that is specifically supported by the text. Many people might agree that everyone loves chips and burgers, but that belief does not answer what the passage actually says. Another pitfall is confusing later consequences with the earlier triggers. Successful comprehension requires tracking the sequence of cause and effect as presented by the author, not mixing the order based on personal assumptions. Final Answer: According to the passage, people reach for unhealthy snacks like chips and burgers because they have missed their morning meal and become extremely hungry. Correct answer: we have skipped the first meal.

Question 2

Read the passage about breakfast and its benefits and choose the best answer. According to the passage, a good breakfast keeps you active and also boosts your performance.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question continues to test understanding of a passage that discusses how breakfast influences energy, memory, and productivity. The key idea here is that eating a proper breakfast has multiple positive effects, not just one. The question asks what a good breakfast does, and the correct option must combine all benefits clearly mentioned in the text. Given Data / Assumptions: • The passage states that a good breakfast leads to a more active and productive day.• It also explains that skipping breakfast has been linked to memory impairment in both young and older adults.• Breakfast is directly linked with performance in school and college, emphasising mental efficiency.• We assume that active and productive together refer to both physical energy and mental performance. Concept / Approach: The approach for this question is to collect all the positive results of having a good breakfast that are mentioned explicitly. The passage highlights two main outcomes: increased activity (more energy throughout the day) and better performance (improved learning and memory). Therefore, the correct option should mention both being active and boosting performance, not just one of them. Options that distort the meaning by suggesting memory loss or other negatives are clearly wrong. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the sentence in the passage that begins with A good breakfast leads to a more active, productive day.Step 2: Recognise that active refers to energy and physical alertness, while productive refers to efficiency and performance in work or study.Step 3: Note the additional information that breakfast is linked with performance in school and college and that skipping breakfast is associated with memory impairment.Step 4: Combine these points: a good breakfast keeps a person active and supports better performance and memory.Step 5: Choose the option that expresses both ideas: keeps you active; boosts performance. Verification / Alternative check: Check each phrase in the correct option against the text. The part keeps you active reflects the line about a more active day. The phrase boosts performance summarises improved productivity, better school performance, and protection against memory impairment. These are direct, positive outcomes of having breakfast. No other option summarises both aspects simultaneously, which confirms the chosen answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: keeps you active is partially correct but incomplete. It ignores the clearly stated link with performance and memory.Option b: causes memory loss contradicts the passage, which actually says that skipping breakfast is connected with memory impairment, not eating it.Option c: boosts performance again captures only one part of the message and does not mention the increased activity and energy that the passage emphasises. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake in comprehension questions is choosing an answer that is true but incomplete, especially when a more complete option is available. Exam setters often include options that contain one correct element but omit another important one. To avoid this trap, candidates should always check whether an option captures the full idea or only part of it. Another pitfall is failing to notice negations and opposites, such as confusing the effects of eating breakfast with the effects of skipping it. Final Answer: The passage clearly states that a good breakfast makes a person both more active and more productive, so it improves energy and performance together. Correct answer: keeps you active; boosts performance.

Question 3

Read the passage about the composition of an ideal breakfast and choose the best answer. According to the passage, an ideal breakfast should contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins in adequate amounts.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines understanding of the nutritional advice given in the passage about breakfast. The author not only stresses the importance of eating breakfast but also describes what a balanced morning meal should contain. The correct answer must match the detailed composition described by the author, not a vague or incomplete summary. Given Data / Assumptions: • The passage explicitly says that breakfast should contribute at least one fourth of our daily requirement of nutrients.• It then states that an ideal breakfast should contain adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in addition to minerals and vitamins.• Whole grain cereals, milk, cheese, eggs, dals, fruits and vegetables are given as examples of foods that supply these nutrients.• The question specifically asks what an ideal breakfast should contain, not merely what examples of breakfast foods are. Concept / Approach: The key concept is that an ideal meal is balanced. That means it includes all major macronutrients and micronutrients in reasonable proportions. The passage clearly lists macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Therefore, the correct option must mention all of these groups together. Options that refer only to some food groups, only to fibre and protein, or to vague choices like foods of our choice do not capture the careful nutritional balance highlighted by the author. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the exact sentence in the passage beginning with Breakfast should contribute at least one fourth of our daily requirement of nutrients.Step 2: Read the next line that defines an ideal breakfast: An ideal breakfast should contain adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in addition to minerals and vitamins.Step 3: Convert the sentence into a short phrase suitable for an answer option, preserving all the nutrient categories.Step 4: Compare the prepared phrase with the options provided.Step 5: Select the option that matches the full list: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. Verification / Alternative check: Check the options one by one against the original sentence. Only option a repeats the complete list of macronutrients and micronutrients as given. Option b some food groups is too vague and does not mention which nutrients are required. Option c only high fibre and protein contradicts the passage because it excludes carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Option d foods of our choice ignores nutritional quality altogether. This direct matching process confirms that option a is the only correct one. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: some food groups does not specify nutrients and may or may not include all necessary components, so it does not reflect the careful guidance given in the passage.Option c: only high fibre and protein focuses on two benefits mentioned later, namely satiety and reduced snacking, but it leaves out the other essential nutrients explicitly named.Option d: foods of our choice suggests that personal preference alone is enough, which goes against the passage emphasis on balanced nutrition. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose an option that sounds healthy but does not exactly match the text. For example, many people know that fibre and protein are good for fullness, so they may be tempted by option c. However, exam passages are designed so that the correct answer almost always uses or closely paraphrases the author's own words. Another pitfall is ignoring the phrase in addition to in the line about nutrients, which signals that minerals and vitamins are as important as the macronutrients listed earlier. Final Answer: The passage clearly states that an ideal breakfast must be nutritionally balanced and include all the main groups of nutrients. Correct answer: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins.

Question 4

Read the passage about breakfast and satiety and choose the best answer. According to the passage, breakfast is most satisfying when it contains high protein and fibre content that reduces the urge to snack.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on the part of the passage that explains why certain types of breakfast keep us feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime. The author contrasts high fibre and protein foods with high sugar foods and shows how different nutrient profiles affect hunger and sleepiness. The correct answer must identify the specific combination that the passage links with satiety and reduced snacking. Given Data / Assumptions: • The passage points out that whole grain cereals like atta in parathas and puris, dalia and suji are integral to traditional Indian breakfast.• It explains that their high fibre and protein content provides a feeling of satisfaction.• This satiety lowers the urge to snack before lunch.• On the other hand, high sugar foods actually make people sleepier, not more active. Concept / Approach: The key concept is satiety, which means feeling full and satisfied after eating. Diets higher in protein and fibre are known to produce longer lasting fullness because protein takes longer to digest and fibre slows the release of energy. The passage reflects this nutritional principle by associating high fibre and protein breakfasts with reduced snacking. Therefore, the option that explicitly mentions high protein and fibre content is most faithful to the passage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the lines in the passage that discuss why some breakfasts are more satisfying than others.Step 2: Identify the key sentence: Their high fibre and protein content provides a feeling of satisfaction, which lowers the urge to snack before lunch.Step 3: Extract the essential idea that fibre and protein together lead to a feeling of satisfaction.Step 4: Compare this idea with the answer options, looking for the one that directly mentions high protein and fibre content.Step 5: Select option b because it clearly matches the wording and meaning of the passage. Verification / Alternative check: Examine the contrast made in the passage between whole grain cereals and high sugar foods. While the former are said to be rich in fibre and protein and therefore satisfying, the latter are said to make people sleepier. The author does not say that excess fat or simply eating to one's heart content is the reason for satisfaction. Nor does the author attribute satiety to all macronutrients in general; the focus is specifically on protein and fibre. This comparison confirms that the correct answer must highlight these two nutrients. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: it is rich in fatty foods does not match the passage. High fat, unhealthy foods such as chips and burgers are actually criticised, not praised as satisfying in a healthy sense.Option c: it is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats repeats part of the earlier discussion about ideal breakfast composition, but does not reflect the special role of fibre and protein in reducing snacking.Option d: we eat to our heart's content suggests overeating based on desire rather than a balanced, nutritious meal. The passage warns against such habits because they can lead to overweight and unhealthy choices. Common Pitfalls: Readers sometimes confuse healthy satisfaction with simply feeling very full after overeating. The passage takes a more scientific view and bases satiety on nutritional quality rather than quantity alone. Another common error is to pick an option that looks like a summary of earlier lines about macronutrients but does not actually answer the specific question being asked. Carefully targeting the relevant lines in the passage and noticing key words like fibre and protein prevent such mistakes. Final Answer: The passage clearly states that a breakfast feels satisfying and reduces snacking when it provides plenty of fibre and protein. Correct answer: it contains high protein and fibre content.

Question 5

In the following question on idioms and proverbs, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the proverb “Practice makes a man perfect”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of a very common English proverb: Practice makes a man perfect. Proverbs and idioms are fixed expressions that convey general life lessons, and exams frequently ask candidates to select the closest paraphrase. The proverb talks about the role of repeated practice in developing skill and mastery in any field, such as sports, music, or studies. Given Data / Assumptions: • The proverb is Practice makes a man perfect.• It is used in general contexts to encourage persistent effort.• The task is to choose the option that best captures its central idea. Concept / Approach: The core meaning of the proverb is that repeated practice of an activity gradually improves skill and brings a person closer to perfection. It does not literally promise absolute perfection, but it strongly emphasises that consistent effort leads to very high levels of proficiency. The correct option must mention the idea of regular activity or repeated trying as the route to becoming good at something, not just general patience or time. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate the proverb in your own words: If you keep practising something regularly, you will become very skilled at it.Step 2: Scan the options for a sentence that conveys this restated meaning.Step 3: Option c says Regular activity is the way to become proficient in it, which matches the restatement almost exactly.Step 4: Check the other options to see whether they are either too broad or focus on a different idea.Step 5: Confirm that option c is the most precise and complete paraphrase of the proverb. Verification / Alternative check: Consider examples from real life. A student who solves mathematics problems every day becomes faster and more accurate. A musician who practises a piece many times plays it smoothly. A sportsperson who trains regularly performs better in competitions. All these examples illustrate that regular practice leads to proficiency. When you compare these situations with option c, you can see that it fits perfectly. The other options either focus on patience, solving any problem, or time, none of which is as central to the original proverb as the act of repeated practice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: Perfection demands patience suggests that patience alone brings perfection. While patience helps, the proverb stresses practice more than patience.Option b: Any problem can be solved if you are willing to try many times exaggerates the idea. The proverb is about improving skill, not guaranteeing a solution to every possible problem.Option d: It takes a long time to form a good habit talks about the time needed to build habits, which is a related but different message. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose answers that sound motivational or wise without checking whether they really capture the original saying. Many proverbs talk about time, patience, and effort, so options that mention these qualities can be confusing. The best strategy is to restate the proverb in simple language first and then look for the option that matches that restatement closely. This prevents being misled by options that are roughly similar in tone but different in meaning. Final Answer: The proverb means that continuous practice of a skill leads to high proficiency and near perfection. Correct answer: Regular activity is the way to become proficient in it.

Question 6

In the following sentence on error spotting, identify the part that contains a grammatical error. A rate of growing is different for different sectors, but the service sector always grows faster than agriculture.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the common error spotting type in English grammar sections of competitive exams. The sentence deals with economic growth in different sectors. The challenge is to identify which part contains an incorrect phrase or construction. Here, the focus is on the correct noun phrase to describe how fast something increases over time. Given Data / Assumptions: • The sentence is divided into parts labelled A, B, C and a final option D for No error.• Part A reads: A rate of growing is different.• The context is comparing growth across different sectors of the economy.• The natural economic term is rate of growth, not rate of growing. Concept / Approach: In English, we usually talk about the rate of growth of an economy, company, or sector. Growth is the correct abstract noun in this collocation. The word growing is a present participle that functions as a continuous verb or a gerund in other contexts, but not in this standard phrase. The phrase A rate of growing is different is unidiomatic and incorrect. Therefore, the error lies in part A. The other parts of the sentence, which describe different sectors and compare the service sector with agriculture, are grammatically acceptable. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the complete sentence: A rate of growing is different for different sectors, but the service sector always grows faster than agriculture.Step 2: Replace A rate of growing with the standard economic expression The rate of growth to see if it improves the sentence.Step 3: The corrected sentence becomes: The rate of growth is different for different sectors, but the service sector always grows faster than agriculture.Step 4: Check parts B and C for additional errors in tense, articles, or comparison. They are grammatically fine.Step 5: Conclude that the sole error is in part A, which uses the wrong noun form. Verification / Alternative check: Consider how newspapers and economics textbooks phrase similar ideas. You will frequently see expressions like growth rate of the service sector, rate of growth of manufacturing, and growth rate is different across regions. None of these ever use rate of growing. This real world evidence supports the conclusion that rate of growth is the accepted collocation and confirms that part A contains the error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: for different sectors, but the service sector is structurally sound. It introduces a contrast using but and correctly places the noun phrase the service sector.Option c: always grows faster than agriculture correctly compares the growth of the service sector with that of agriculture using the comparative faster.Option d: No error is incorrect because part A clearly contains a non standard expression. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on obvious grammar markers like verb tense and prepositions and miss errors in collocation, that is, the natural pairing of words in a language. Phrases like rate of growing might appear logical to someone who thinks literally, but idiomatic usage demands rate of growth. In error spotting, paying attention to standard phrases used in news articles, academic writing, and textbooks can help you recognise these subtle mistakes. Final Answer: The incorrect phrase is in part A; it should be The rate of growth instead of A rate of growing. Correct answer: A.

Question 7

In the following sentence on error spotting, identify the part that contains a grammatical or usage error. The food basket contained a dark chocolate, an eclair and a pastry neatly wrapped in foil paper.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests knowledge of article use and countable versus uncountable nouns in English. The sentence describes items in a food basket, and the examinee must identify which part contains a usage error. In such questions, the grammar may be mostly correct, but a subtle issue such as an incorrect article or wrong noun form makes one part unacceptable. Given Data / Assumptions: • The full sentence reads: The food basket contained a dark chocolate, an eclair and a pastry neatly wrapped in foil paper.• Part A: The food basket contained.• Part B: a dark chocolate, an eclair and a pastry.• Part C: neatly wrapped in foil paper.• The phrase a dark chocolate is the key area of concern. Concept / Approach: In English, chocolate can be both countable and uncountable. When referring to a specific piece, we usually say a bar of dark chocolate or a piece of dark chocolate, not a dark chocolate by itself, unless chocolate refers to a specific product or sweet that is commonly counted that way. In standard exam English, a dark chocolate without a noun such as bar or piece is considered incorrect. An eclair and a pastry are fine because these are individual items that are commonly counted with a. Therefore, the error is in part B, where the article a is used directly with dark chocolate. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the entire sentence and look for unnatural or unidiomatic phrases.Step 2: Note that The food basket contained is a correct opening clause.Step 3: Focus on a dark chocolate, an eclair and a pastry. While an eclair and a pastry are acceptable, a dark chocolate should be replaced by a bar of dark chocolate or simply dark chocolate, depending on whether we are counting pieces or describing a type.Step 4: Check neatly wrapped in foil paper. Although some speakers might simply say wrapped in foil, the phrase is understandable and not typically the primary error in exam keys.Step 5: Conclude that part B contains the main usage error because of the incorrect article and noun combination. Verification / Alternative check: Consider other combinations: The food basket contained dark chocolate, an eclair and a pastry neatly wrapped in foil. This version sounds more natural. Alternatively, The food basket contained a bar of dark chocolate, an eclair and a pastry is even clearer. Both confirm that the word chocolate needs either a quantifying noun like bar or piece, or should be used without a when treated as an uncountable substance. This supports the conclusion that part B is incorrect as framed in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: The food basket contained is grammatically correct and sets up the list of items properly.Option c: neatly wrapped in foil paper is acceptable in many exam contexts. While some stylists might prefer foil instead of foil paper, this is not usually treated as a clear grammatical error in such questions.Option d: No error is incorrect, because the use of a dark chocolate is not standard as presented. Common Pitfalls: Many learners focus only on obvious grammatical markers like tense and subject verb agreement and overlook subtler lexical or collocation errors. It is also easy to accept a dark chocolate because we sometimes see chocolates used as a plural count noun in casual speech, but the pattern usually requires a piece of chocolate or a chocolate bar when precision is required. In exams, you should pay close attention to how food items and portions are normally expressed in good written English. Final Answer: The flawed phrase a dark chocolate appears in part B, which should be rephrased to use a bar of dark chocolate or similar wording. Correct answer: B.

Question 8

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in the correct order to form a coherent statement. The arbitration award has, nevertheless, dented China's interests in multiple ways.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests sentence arrangement skills using jumbled segments marked R, P and Q. The topic is an arbitration award and its effect on China's interests. Candidates must recognise the logical and grammatical order that produces a coherent sentence. Such questions evaluate understanding of sentence structure, natural word order, and the placement of adverbials like nevertheless and in multiple ways. Given Data / Assumptions: • The labelled parts are: R – award has, nevertheless, P – dented China's interests Q – in multiple ways.• The sentence must begin with a clear subject and verb around the phrase arbitration award.• The adverb nevertheless usually comes after the auxiliary verb or between subject and main verb.• The phrase in multiple ways naturally comes at the end as an adverbial phrase of manner. Concept / Approach: To arrange the parts, we first look for the segment that can start the sentence sensibly. The arbitration award has, nevertheless, is a logical beginning because it introduces the subject arbitration award and the auxiliary verb has, along with the concessive adverb nevertheless. This must be followed by the main verb phrase dented China's interests, which expresses what the award has done. Finally, an adverbial phrase of manner or extent such as in multiple ways explains how or to what extent the interests have been dented and is naturally placed at the end. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the segment that contains the subject and auxiliary verb: award has, nevertheless, which is marked R.Step 2: Recognise that the main verb and object, dented China's interests, are in segment P, so P should follow R to complete the verb phrase.Step 3: The phrase in multiple ways in segment Q acts as an adverbial that describes how the interests have been dented.Step 4: Place Q at the end of the sentence to complete the flow: The arbitration award has, nevertheless, dented China's interests in multiple ways.Step 5: Therefore, the correct order is R P Q, which corresponds to option RPQ. Verification / Alternative check: Check alternative orders to ensure they sound less natural. For example, P Q R would give dented China's interests in multiple ways award has, nevertheless, which is clearly ungrammatical. R Q P would produce award has, nevertheless, in multiple ways dented China's interests, which is awkward and breaks the natural link between has and dented. Only R followed by P then Q yields a smooth and grammatically correct sentence that preserves the intended meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: RQP places in multiple ways between has and dented, disrupting the verb phrase and resulting in a clumsy word order.Option c: PQR starts with dented China's interests, which lacks a clear subject and auxiliary verb, producing a fragment rather than a full sentence.Option d: QPR begins with an adverbial in multiple ways, leaving the subject and main verb too far apart and making the sentence unnecessarily awkward. Common Pitfalls: Many learners try to start a sentence with a dramatic phrase like in multiple ways, thinking it adds emphasis. However, in formal exam English, clear subject-verb order is more important than stylistic experimentation. Another common mistake is not noticing where auxiliary verbs and main verbs belong together. When you see has, had, have or is, are, was, were in one fragment, you should look for the main verb in another fragment and keep them close together. This strategy greatly simplifies jumbled sentence questions. Final Answer: The coherent sentence is: The arbitration award has, nevertheless, dented China's interests in multiple ways. Correct order: RPQ.

Question 9

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the correct idiomatic preposition. Any bad habit must be nipped (on) the bud.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of a fixed English idiom: to nip something in the bud. The sentence is about stopping a bad habit early before it develops fully. The task is to select the correct preposition to replace the bracketed word on so that the idiom is used properly. Mastering such set phrases is important because idioms usually do not allow much variation in their wording. Given Data / Assumptions: • The sentence given is: Any bad habit must be nipped on the bud.• The highlighted phrase is nipped on the bud.• We know that the standard idiom is nip something in the bud.• The meaning is to stop a problem at an early stage. Concept / Approach: The idiom comes from gardening. A bud is the early stage of a flower or leaf. If you nip or pinch off the bud, the plant will not develop that shoot or flower. Figuratively, to nip a problem in the bud means to prevent it from developing by dealing with it immediately when it is still small. The preposition in is essential in this idiom. Using on or off changes the structure and makes it sound wrong to a native speaker. Therefore, the correct improvement is to replace on with in. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the sentence is intended to use a well known idiom about bad habits and early intervention.Step 2: Recall the complete idiom nip in the bud, which always uses in.Step 3: Replace on with in to form the correct phrase: Any bad habit must be nipped in the bud.Step 4: Check that the resulting sentence is grammatically correct and meaningful.Step 5: Choose option b, which provides the correct preposition. Verification / Alternative check: Test each alternative in the sentence. Nipped on the bud does not correspond to any recognised idiom in English and sounds unnatural. Nipped off the bud describes a literal action in gardening but is not the standard figurative expression used in speech and writing about problems and habits. No improvement would preserve the incorrect phrase and therefore cannot be chosen. Only nipped in the bud matches the long established idiom that appears in dictionaries and formal writing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: on is incorrect because nip on the bud is not an idiomatic or common phrase.Option c: off describes removal in a physical sense, but the idiomatic expression used with bad habits and problems is nip in the bud, not nip off the bud.Option d: no improvement is wrong because the original sentence clearly misuses the preposition. Common Pitfalls: A common error with idioms is to remember the general image but not the exact wording, leading to near misses like on the bud or at the bud. Exam questions often target these almost correct versions. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to revise idioms as fixed chunks and notice the specific prepositions they take. Associating the image of a bud and the idea of something being inside that early stage can also help you remember that in is the correct preposition here. Final Answer: The correct idiomatic form is nip a bad habit in the bud, meaning to stop it at an early stage. Correct answer: in.

Question 10

In the following sentence with a blank, choose the most appropriate word. At this critical juncture what the company needs is a __________ marketing strategy.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary based question asks you to fill in the blank in a sentence about a company needing a certain type of marketing strategy at a critical time. The sentence is from a business context, and the correct word must fit both the grammar and the meaning. The options include words that are similar in form but different in meaning, such as credible and creditable, which often confuse learners. Given Data / Assumptions: • The sentence reads: At this critical juncture what the company needs is a __________ marketing strategy.• The company is at an important turning point, so it needs a suitable, effective plan.• The most appropriate adjective would describe a strategy that can be trusted or believed in. Concept / Approach: The main difference between the key options is as follows. Credible means believable or convincing. Creditably is the adverb from creditable, and creditable as an adjective means praiseworthy or deserving credit. Incredible means unbelievable or extraordinary and is often used in a positive emotional sense but would suggest that the plan itself is unbelievable, which is not the intended meaning here. Adventurous means daring or risky, not necessarily trustworthy. In a business context, when the company is at a critical juncture, it usually needs a solid, realistic and convincing strategy, that is, a credible one. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the context: the company is going through an important, perhaps risky period and requires careful planning.Step 2: Think about what qualities a marketing strategy should have in such a situation. It should inspire confidence among stakeholders and be realistic, not just daring or flashy.Step 3: Compare the meanings of the options. Adventurous suggests risk taking, incredible suggests something hard to believe, creditable suggests worthy of praise, and credible suggests believable.Step 4: Select credible because a believable and convincing marketing strategy is exactly what is needed at a critical juncture.Step 5: Check the full sentence with the chosen word: At this critical juncture what the company needs is a credible marketing strategy. It sounds natural and logically consistent. Verification / Alternative check: Test each alternative in the sentence. A creditable marketing strategy would mean a strategy that deserves praise, which is not wrong but is less precise than credible, because the focus at a critical time is on trust and believability rather than applause. An adventurous strategy might actually be dangerous when the company is under pressure. An incredible marketing strategy would sound informal and suggest exaggeration rather than solid planning. Credible best matches the notion of a sound, reliable plan. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: creditable describes performance that deserves credit or praise, but it is not the standard word for a realistic, trustworthy plan.Option b: adventurous emphasises taking risks and trying bold experiments, which may not be wise at a critical juncture.Option c: incredible literally means not credible or unbelievable, which is opposite to what a sensible company should want in a strategic plan. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates confuse credible and creditable because both share the same root credit. It helps to remember that credible is about belief while creditable is about praise. Another common error is to be attracted to impressive sounding words like incredible without checking whether their core meaning fits the sentence. In exam situations, always match the dictionary meaning with the context instead of relying only on how stylish a word sounds. Final Answer: At an important turning point, the company needs a marketing strategy that is believable and trustworthy. Correct answer: credible.

Question 11

Select the antonym of the word “mishmash”, which means a confused mixture of different things.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for an antonym of mishmash. Mishmash refers to a confused, disorganised mixture of various elements. It often has a negative or at least messy connotation. To find the antonym, we need a word that conveys the opposite idea of confusion and disorder, namely order and systematic arrangement. Given Data / Assumptions: • Mishmash means a confused mixture, jumble, or hotchpotch.• The options include several words that are themselves related to mixtures and one word that suggests order.• The question is specifically about the opposite in meaning, not a synonym. Concept / Approach: First, identify synonyms of mishmash. Words like medley, potpourri and haphazard all suggest mixtures or lack of order in different contexts. The direct opposite would be something that is neatly arranged, systematic, or organised. The word organized captures this concept by describing a state where things are arranged carefully and logically, as opposed to a disorganised jumble. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or look up the meaning of mishmash: a confused mixture of things that do not quite fit together.Step 2: Examine each option and classify it as either similar or opposite in meaning.Step 3: Potpourri and medley both refer to mixtures, especially of music, scents, or elements, and are therefore close in meaning to mishmash.Step 4: Haphazard suggests randomness and lack of planning, which again aligns more with confusion than order.Step 5: Organized represents the reverse concept, where items are arranged systematically rather than mixed up. Therefore, it is the antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Test the words in example sentences. A mishmash of ideas suggests ideas thrown together without structure. An organized set of ideas suggests that the ideas are sorted, grouped, and logically ordered. These two phrases clearly oppose each other in meaning. Meanwhile, a medley of songs or a potpourri of flavours also conveys variety without strong structure, which is similar rather than opposite. This comparison confirms that organized is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: potpourri commonly means a mixture of dried petals for fragrance or, more generally, a mixed collection. This is conceptually similar to mishmash.Option b: medley refers to a mixture, especially of musical pieces, and is again close in sense to mishmash.Option d: haphazard means random and without order, which is another near synonym of mishmash rather than an antonym. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes misread antonym questions as synonym questions, especially when several options feel related to the given word. When the stem says select the antonym, you must consciously look for a word that reverses the main idea. Here, the word sounds informal and messy, so the opposite needs to convey neatness and structure. Keeping this contrast in mind will guide you to the right answer even without a dictionary. Final Answer: The opposite of a confused mixture or jumble is something that is carefully arranged and systematic. Correct answer: organized.

Question 12

In the following sentence with a blank, choose the most appropriate word. He is not a native speaker yet he has a good __________ over German.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of common English collocations related to language ability. The sentence describes a person who is not a native speaker but still has a strong ability in German. The blank must be filled with a noun that naturally combines with the preposition over in this context and accurately expresses language proficiency. Given Data / Assumptions: • The sentence is: He is not a native speaker yet he has a good __________ over German.• The person has high skill in German, despite not being a native speaker.• The options offered are authority, hold, command and expertise. Concept / Approach: In English, the standard collocation for high language proficiency is a good command of a language. Sometimes exams slightly vary the preposition to over, but the core collocation remains good command. Phrases like authority over German, hold over German, or expertise over German are not as natural or idiomatic. The word authority is more about power or influence, hold is about physical grip or control, and expertise is usually followed by in, not over, for subject areas. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the concept needed: language proficiency.Step 2: Recall typical expressions: good command of English, excellent command of French, etc.Step 3: Compare this with the options. Command fits directly into the familiar phrase good command.Step 4: Insert command into the sentence: He is not a native speaker yet he has a good command over German. This reads naturally as an exam sentence, even though many writers prefer command of German.Step 5: Conclude that command is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: Test the other options in natural sounding sentences. A good authority over German sounds odd, because authority normally refers to power or official position, not skill in a language. A good hold over German suggests control rather than proficiency and is not a common expression. A good expertise over German is clearly incorrect because the normal preposition is in, as in expertise in German. This series of checks confirms that command is the most appropriate word. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: authority primarily means power to give orders or influence others. It does not naturally describe language skill.Option b: hold is used in phrases like have a hold on someone or hold over something, which do not fit the meaning of fluency or proficiency.Option d: expertise is usually followed by in, and even with in, expertise in German would refer to academic or technical expertise, not necessarily everyday fluency. Common Pitfalls: Because all four options are positive words, candidates may be tempted to choose based on general sense rather than collocation. However, English usage is strict in many fixed expressions, and exam questions often target these. Remembering classic phrases like command of a language and good command over English can help you quickly eliminate less idiomatic combinations. Always mentally place the option inside the sentence and ask whether you have seen or heard that exact phrase before. Final Answer: The natural expression for strong language proficiency here is good command. Correct answer: command.

Question 13

In the following question on one-word substitutions, select the word that best means “match or surpass a person by imitation”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a one word substitution question. The phrase given is match or surpass a person by imitation, and you must choose the single word that best expresses this idea. Such questions are common in English vocabulary sections because they test precise understanding of relatively formal words that often appear in written language and academic contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: • The phrase to be converted into one word is match or surpass a person by imitation.• The options given are parallel, emulate, ditto and impression.• We assume that the correct word should include both elements: copying as a model and attempting to equal or even exceed someone. Concept / Approach: The key word here is emulate. To emulate someone means to imitate them, especially with the intention of equalling or surpassing their achievements. It is often used in contexts such as students emulating their teachers or young professionals emulating successful role models. Parallel simply means to be similar or comparable, without the specific idea of copying. Ditto is an informal way of saying the same again, and impression relates to the effect something has on someone or the act of mimicking someone's style, but it does not contain the idea of surpassing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase match or surpass, which implies competition or high ambition.Step 2: Note the by imitation part, which adds the idea of copying someone as a model.Step 3: Recall the verb emulate, which is defined as to imitate with the aim of equalling or surpassing.Step 4: Compare this definition with the given phrase and see that it matches almost exactly.Step 5: Select emulate as the correct one word substitution. Verification / Alternative check: Use each option in a sentence. She tried to emulate her elder sister by working just as hard and becoming even more successful fits the meaning perfectly. She tried to parallel her elder sister sounds vague and does not capture the idea of imitation as a deliberate strategy. She tried to ditto her elder sister is informal and wrong in standard English. She tried to make an impression like her elder sister is about effect on others, not about matching and surpassing by copying. These comparisons confirm that emulate is the right choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: parallel means to be similar or run side by side, but it does not include the notion of imitation or striving to equal someone.Option c: ditto is a casual term used to mean the same again in lists and does not carry the idea of deliberate copying to achieve success.Option d: impression refers to the effect or image created in someone's mind or to mimicry in a loose sense, but not specifically to matching or surpassing through imitation. Common Pitfalls: Because emulate is less common in everyday conversation than in written English, some candidates may not be fully comfortable with its meaning. Others may be misled by words like impression, which are related to copying in other contexts, such as doing an impression of an actor. To avoid confusion, it is helpful to remember emulate as a technical or academic word often used in contexts of role models, mentors, or technology (for example, a program that emulates another). The central idea is always imitating in order to reach the same or higher level. Final Answer: The single word that means to match or even surpass a person by imitating them is emulate.

Question 14

Select the word with the correct spelling from the following options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question asks you to identify the correctly spelt word from four options. Spelling questions are straightforward but require familiarity with common English words and their standard written forms. Among the given options, only one matches a standard dictionary spelling. Given Data / Assumptions: • The options given are rootless, xpanded, fulstop and griling.• We assume that the intended words are rootless, expanded, full stop and grilling, based on pronunciation hints.• Only one of these appears in correct spelling as commonly used in English. Concept / Approach: The strategy is to identify which of the options looks like a standard English word whose spelling you recognise. Rootless is a correctly spelt word meaning without roots, either literally or figuratively. The other words show missing letters or altered forms. Xpanded lacks the initial e in expanded. Fulstop removes one l and splits the compound incorrectly, and griling misses an l that would appear in grilling. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check rootless. This word consists of root plus the suffix less and is correctly spelled with double o in root and a single s at the end of less.Step 2: Check xpanded. The standard form is expanded with ex at the beginning, so xpanded is incorrect.Step 3: Check fulstop. In British English, the punctuation mark is called full stop, two separate words, and full has two l letters. Fulstop is therefore wrong.Step 4: Check griling. The correct spelling of the cooking term is grilling with double l. Griling is missing a letter, so it is wrong.Step 5: Conclude that rootless is the only correctly spelt word. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by considering whether each word would appear in a standard dictionary. Rootless, meaning without roots, is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The others are clearly misspellings of real words. Expanded always begins with ex, full stop is two words with full spelled with two l letters, and grilling has a double l. These confirm that rootless is the correct spelling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: xpanded is missing the initial e and is not a recognised spelling in English.Option c: fulstop combines two words into one and shortens full to ful, both of which are errors.Option d: griling is missing one of the l letters and therefore does not match the standard spelling grilling. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers may overthink and suspect that the apparently correct spelling is a trick, leading them to doubt rootless. Others might not immediately recognise that fulstop is intended as full stop. However, exam setters generally include one clear correct spelling and three obvious distortions. The key is to trust your familiarity with common words and not to second guess yourself unnecessarily when one option looks clearly right. Final Answer: The only correctly spelt word among the options is rootless.

Question 15

In the following question on one-word substitutions, select the word that best means “lack of skill, ability, or competence”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a one word substitution question that tests your ability to match a given definition with the correct English noun. The phrase given is lack of skill, ability, or competence. The correct one word substitution must capture the idea of poor ability or clumsiness, not high skill. Given Data / Assumptions: • The definition is lack of skill, ability, or competence.• The options are ineptitude, dexterity, proficiency and prowess.• We assume that the correct answer will describe a negative state of incompetence. Concept / Approach: Ineptitude is a noun that means clumsiness, incompetence or the quality of being inept. It directly expresses lack of skill. The other three options all describe positive qualities: dexterity means skill and agility, especially with the hands; proficiency means a high degree of competence or skill; and prowess refers to great skill or bravery, often in battle or an area of special expertise. Since the stem clearly describes a negative quality, the answer must be the only negative term among the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the polarity of the definition, which is negative because it refers to lack of skill.Step 2: Recall the meanings of each option. Ineptitude means clumsiness or incompetence. Dexterity is manual skill. Proficiency is a high level of skill. Prowess is exceptional ability or bravery.Step 3: Match the negative definition with the negative word, which is ineptitude.Step 4: Confirm that dexterity, proficiency and prowess are antonyms rather than synonyms of the given phrase.Step 5: Select ineptitude as the correct one word substitution. Verification / Alternative check: Use the words in example sentences. His ineptitude at driving caused several minor accidents clearly uses ineptitude in the sense of lack of skill. Her dexterity amazed everyone at the workshop, His proficiency in mathematics won him a scholarship and Her prowess on the tennis court impressed the spectators all show high levels of ability, the opposite of what the question describes. This confirms that ineptitude alone matches the original definition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: dexterity means great skill, especially with hands or body movements, and therefore is the opposite of lack of skill.Option c: proficiency refers to advanced competence and is again the opposite of the definition given.Option d: prowess describes outstanding skill or bravery, often in specialised areas such as sports or combat, and is not aligned with incompetence. Common Pitfalls: Because three of the options are positive words that often appear together in contexts praising ability, candidates who skim quickly may mistake the question for one that seeks a synonym of skill. It is crucial to notice the phrase lack of in the stem, which completely changes the requirement. Paying close attention to negative markers such as not, without, lack of and absence of will help you avoid such mistakes in vocabulary questions. Final Answer: The correct one word substitution for lack of skill, ability, or competence is ineptitude.

Question 16

In this question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the common English idiom "pull the plug" as it is used to describe stopping an activity, service, or project.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The expression "pull the plug" is a widely used English idiom, especially in discussions about projects, services, funding, or ongoing activities. The aim of this question is to test your understanding of idiomatic usage, which is very important for competitive exams and real life communication. Idioms rarely mean exactly what the individual words suggest; instead they carry a figurative, established meaning in common usage. Understanding this idiom helps you read editorials, policy discussions, and workplace emails with better accuracy. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom under discussion is "pull the plug". The context usually involves an activity, plan, project, or service that is already in progress. You must choose the option that best matches the figurative meaning in standard English usage. We assume no medical life support context is being tested here, only general idiomatic meaning in public discourse. Only one option accurately captures the accepted sense of the idiom. Concept / Approach: To solve idiom questions, you should recall how the phrase is used in newspapers, books, and conversations. The literal picture behind "pull the plug" is of cutting off power or a supply by removing a plug from its socket. Figuratively, it refers to ending or terminating something by cutting off support, permission, or funding. So the core idea is stopping continuation, not saving, refusing once, or simply wasting work. You should match this core sense to the closest given option and reject choices that add meanings like last minute rescue or simple refusal, because they do not reflect how native speakers actually use this idiom. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or infer the figurative image of pulling a plug from a socket and stopping the power or flow. Step 2: Map this image to real life situations: ending a project, cancelling a plan, or stopping a service by withdrawing support or permission. Step 3: Evaluate option A, "Make a firm refusal in a particular situation". A firm refusal is a single act of saying no, not necessarily stopping an ongoing process, so this is not accurate. Step 4: Evaluate option B, "Save a situation by acting at the last possible moment". This is closer to the idiom "save the day" or "step in at the last minute", which is the opposite of stopping something. Step 5: Evaluate option C, "Waste the efforts that somebody has already put in". While ending a project may result in wasted effort, the idiom focuses on the act of stopping, not on the emotional result of waste, so this is not the primary meaning. Step 6: Evaluate option D, "Prevent an activity, service, or project from continuing any further". This directly expresses the core idea of stopping continuation, and therefore matches the idiom perfectly. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify your answer by recalling common sentences from newspapers or business reports, such as "The government decided to pull the plug on the subsidy scheme" or "Investors pulled the plug on the failing start up". In each case, the writer means that support was stopped and the activity could no longer continue. No sense of last minute rescue or simple refusal is implied. This confirms that the idiom focuses on termination of an ongoing plan or service. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is wrong because a firm refusal can occur before something begins and does not imply stopping an existing activity. Option B is wrong because it suggests rescue at the last minute, which is the opposite of shutting something down. Option C is wrong because it focuses on wasted effort, which may be a side effect but not the essential meaning of the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes over focus on the emotional tone of an idiom and confuse it with other expressions. Another common mistake is linking "pull the plug" only with medical life support machines and thinking it always means ending a life. In many everyday contexts, especially exam passages, the idiom simply refers to cancelling or terminating a plan, policy, or project. Always pay attention to the broader sentence to decide whether the figurative meaning is about stopping continuation rather than saving or refusing. Final Answer: Prevent an activity, service, or project from continuing any further

Question 17

Improve the underlined phrase in the sentence "The patient died (of a wound and not of) cancer" by choosing the most appropriate and grammatically correct preposition combination.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of correct preposition usage in English, particularly with the verb "die". In competitive exams, fine distinctions like "die of" and "die from" are frequently tested because they reveal how well you know idiomatic and standard grammar patterns. The sentence involves a contrast between two possible causes of death, one being a wound and the other being cancer, so the correct pattern of prepositions becomes very important. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is "The patient died (of a wound and not of) cancer". You must replace the bracketed part with the most suitable option. The context contrasts death due to a physical injury with death due to cancer. Standard English grammar distinguishes between "die of" and "die from" depending on the type of cause. Exactly one option is fully correct and idiomatic in this contrast structure. Concept / Approach: In English, the usual pattern is that people "die of" diseases, infections, and internal medical conditions, and "die from" external causes such as injuries, accidents, or violence. There can be overlap, but this is the standard guideline used in exam questions. When we describe someone who dies because of a wound, we normally say "die from a wound". When we describe someone who dies because of cancer, we normally say "die of cancer". The sentence also uses a contrast structure "from X and not of Y", so both halves need to be parallel and natural according to standard usage. The correct answer must satisfy both grammar and idiomatic preference. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the two causes: a wound (external injury) and cancer (disease). Step 2: Recall that the normal pattern is "die from a wound" for an external injury. Step 3: Recall that the normal pattern is "die of cancer" for a disease. Step 4: Check option A, "from a wound and not of". If we insert it, the sentence becomes "The patient died from a wound and not of cancer", which uses "from" with wound and "of" with cancer, both correct. Step 5: Check option B, "of a wound and not from". This gives "died of a wound and not from cancer", which uses less natural combinations for this contrast. Step 6: Check option C, "from a wound and not from". This produces "died from a wound and not from cancer", which is grammatically possible but less idiomatic, because we usually prefer "of cancer". Step 7: Option D suggests no improvement, but the original phrase "of a wound and not of cancer" does not follow the usual pattern for external injury versus disease. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by consulting standard usage in dictionaries and grammar references, which consistently give examples such as "He died of cancer" and "She died from her injuries". When both appear in a single sentence, exam questions typically expect you to follow this pattern. Therefore "died from a wound and not of cancer" is the best and most idiomatic solution. This pattern also makes the contrast between the two causes clear and natural. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B is wrong because "died of a wound" is less idiomatic, and "not from cancer" is also not the usual phrase for a disease. Option C is wrong because using "from" for both wound and cancer does not show the conventional distinction between external injury and disease, and exam setters normally prefer the standard pair "from a wound" and "of cancer". Option D is wrong because the original phrase uses "of" with both wound and cancer, which does not reflect the preferred pattern for an external injury. Common Pitfalls: Learners often assume that "die of" and "die from" are completely interchangeable and ignore the subtle difference that exam questions focus on. Another frequent mistake is checking only one half of the contrast and forgetting that both parts must be correct at the same time. In improvement questions, always read the full sentence with the option inserted, and confirm that each cause or object fits the natural collocation of the verb. This habit will reduce errors in similar preposition questions. Final Answer: from a wound and not of

Question 18

Convert the direct speech sentence "I said, my grandfather snored throughout the night" into indirect speech and select the most appropriate reported form.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of reported speech, sometimes called indirect speech, in English grammar. When we move from direct speech, which quotes the exact words of the speaker, to indirect speech, we often need to change tenses, pronouns, and sometimes time expressions. Here the reporting verb "said" is in the past, and the original reported clause describes an action that took place before the act of speaking. The correct answer must show proper backshifting of tense and maintain the meaning that the grandfather snored for the entire night. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech sentence: I said, "My grandfather snored throughout the night." Reporting verb "said" is in the past tense. The action of snoring happened during one whole night before the act of reporting. We must convert this into an indirect speech sentence starting with "I said that...". The meaning about duration, "throughout the night", must be preserved. Concept / Approach: When converting from direct to indirect speech with a past reporting verb, we usually move the tense of the reported clause one step back in time. Simple present becomes simple past, and simple past becomes past perfect. In the original sentence, "snored" is simple past, so the correct indirect form should normally use past perfect: "had snored". The conjunction "that" is usually added after "said" when introducing the reported clause, especially in formal or exam English. We also need to decide whether a continuous aspect is required. Since the sentence presents snoring as a completed action covering a time period (the night), the simple past perfect is more suitable than past perfect continuous. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting verb and its tense: "said" is simple past. Step 2: Identify the reported clause: "My grandfather snored throughout the night." Step 3: Recognise that "snored" is simple past referring to an action completed before the moment of saying. Step 4: Apply backshift: simple past in direct speech usually becomes past perfect in indirect speech, so "snored" becomes "had snored". Step 5: Insert the conjunction "that" after "said" to form a natural reported clause: "I said that my grandfather had snored throughout the night." Step 6: Compare this sentence with the given options and select the one that matches exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Check each option carefully. Option B keeps the verb in simple past, "snored", which is sometimes used in casual speech but does not follow strict exam rules of backshifting. Option A omits the conjunction "that", which is grammatically possible but less formal. Exam questions normally prefer the fuller structure with "that". Option D uses "had been snoring", which is a past perfect continuous construction and places too much emphasis on the ongoing process rather than a completed whole night action. The most accurate and formally correct structure, especially for exam standards, is "I said that my grandfather had snored throughout the night", which is option C. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A lacks the conjunction "that", which makes it slightly less formal than standard exam preference, although the tense is correct. Option B uses simple past "snored" without backshift, which does not reflect the typical rule for reported speech with a past reporting verb in exam grammar. Option D uses past perfect continuous and suggests focusing on the process of snoring rather than the completed fact that the grandfather snored throughout the night, which is not necessary here. Common Pitfalls: Many learners forget to backshift the tense when the reporting verb is in the past, especially if the original sentence already uses simple past. Another common error is to overuse continuous forms like "had been snoring" even when a simple perfect form is enough. Finally, candidates sometimes ignore the small but important word "that". While conversational English may drop it, written exam English generally keeps it. Remember to apply the backshift rule consistently unless the situation clearly demands an exception, such as universal truths. Final Answer: I said that my grandfather had snored throughout the night.

Question 19

Select the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the noun "generosity" in standard English usage.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word "generosity". Antonym questions test how well you understand the precise emotional and moral tone of common English words. "Generosity" is frequently used in reading passages, essays, and moral stories, so knowing its opposite helps you understand contrastive statements and subtle attitudes expressed by authors. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: "generosity". We need the closest opposite in meaning, not just a random negative term. Options: altruism, general, largesse, malevolence. Three of the options are related to positive qualities or are unrelated, and one matches the contrast that exam setters expect. We assume standard modern English usage as in dictionaries and editorials. Concept / Approach: "Generosity" means willingness to give more time, money, help, or kindness than is strictly necessary. It carries a positive emotional tone. The opposite of this idea should involve a negative attitude toward others, such as meanness, cruelty, or ill will. Small differences matter here. Some options may be synonyms or near synonyms of generosity rather than opposites. To find the antonym, we first recall direct synonyms of "generosity" and eliminate them. Then we identify the option that expresses a negative, hostile, or unkind attitude that stands in strong contrast to generosity. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of "generosity" as a readiness to give or share freely and kindly. Step 2: Examine option A, "altruism". Altruism means selfless concern for the well being of others, which is closely related to generosity, so it is similar, not opposite. Step 3: Examine option B, "general". This word describes something common or not specific. It is not meaningfully related to giving or kindness, so it is neither a synonym nor a clear antonym. It is simply irrelevant. Step 4: Examine option C, "largesse". Largesse means generous gifts or generosity in giving, which again is similar in meaning to the target word. Step 5: Examine option D, "malevolence". Malevolence means a desire to do evil to others, ill will, or hostility. This attitude is directly opposed to the spirit of generosity, which involves kindness and goodwill. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, imagine a sentence like "The charity was known for its generosity, not its malevolence." This contrast feels natural because generosity and malevolence sit on opposite sides of a moral scale: one is generous and caring, the other is harmful and spiteful. On the other hand, pairing generosity with altruism or largesse as opposites would be incorrect because they all describe positive, giving attitudes. A quick dictionary check also confirms that malevolence relates to evil intent and ill will, which oppose generosity of spirit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, altruism, is wrong because it is a close moral cousin of generosity and often appears alongside it in discussions of ethics and helping behaviour. Option B, general, is wrong because it does not address attitude toward giving or kindness at all; it is unrelated to the concept of generosity. Option C, largesse, is wrong because it literally refers to generous gifts, making it a near synonym rather than an opposite. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to pick any negative sounding word as an antonym without checking whether it really opposes the original idea. Another error is to overlook subtle near synonyms like "largesse" that may look unfamiliar but actually mean something close to generosity. Smart test takers build a habit of learning both synonyms and antonyms together, and they always confirm whether a candidate word truly expresses an opposite attitude. When in doubt, try using the words in the same sentence with "not" or "rather than" to test whether the contrast feels natural. Final Answer: malevolence

Question 20

Select the synonym of the verb "rip" when it is used in the sense of tearing something so that it is badly damaged.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the verb "rip" in the sense of tearing material or surface so that it is damaged. Synonym questions test how accurately you understand subtle shades of meaning between verbs that may appear in reading passages, instructions, or descriptions. The word "rip" is common in everyday English, especially when talking about clothes, paper, or surfaces that have been torn. Knowing precise synonyms helps you understand and paraphrase such sentences effectively in exams and communication. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: "rip" used as a verb meaning to tear something. Options: cease, terminate, gash, sew. We assume the physical sense of tearing, not informal slang uses like "rip off" meaning cheat. Only one option accurately captures the idea of making a tear or deep cut in something. We are working with standard dictionary meanings, not idiomatic phrases. Concept / Approach: The verb "rip" usually means to tear something quickly or violently, often leaving a long opening or damage in fabric, paper, or another surface. A good synonym will also convey the idea of cutting or tearing, not of stopping, finishing, or repairing. We first identify which options relate to tearing or cutting, then check which one matches the strength and direction of meaning of "rip". Another useful approach is to imagine short example sentences and substitute each option to see which one fits naturally. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "rip" means to tear something, for example, "She ripped her shirt on a nail". Step 2: Evaluate option A, "cease". This means to stop doing something or to come to an end, which is unrelated to tearing. Step 3: Evaluate option B, "terminate". This also means to bring something to an end, such as a contract or a job, so it is again unrelated to physical tearing. Step 4: Evaluate option C, "gash". As a verb or noun, "gash" refers to making a long, deep cut or a serious tear in something. This is close in meaning to ripping fabric or skin. Step 5: Evaluate option D, "sew". This is the opposite activity, meaning to join fabric together with a needle and thread, which repairs or constructs instead of tearing. Step 6: Conclude that "gash" is the only option that shares the core idea of making a strong tear or cut. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, consider parallel sentences. "He ripped his arm on the sharp edge" can be expressed as "He gashed his arm on the sharp edge", and both convey the sense of a serious tear or cut. However, substituting "cease", "terminate", or "sew" would produce sentences that are either meaningless or opposite in sense. Dictionaries also define "gash" as a deep long cut in a body or surface, which pairs naturally with the idea of ripping. This confirms that "gash" is the closest synonym in the list provided. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, cease, is wrong because it describes stopping an action, not damaging material. Option B, terminate, is wrong because it refers to ending a process or activity, such as employment, not tearing objects. Option D, sew, is wrong because it describes joining material together, usually to fix or create clothing, which is the reverse of tearing or ripping. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake in synonym questions is to choose a word that feels generally negative or serious instead of focusing on the exact physical meaning. For example, a candidate may look at "terminate" and think of something strong or final, but that does not make it a synonym for ripping. Another pitfall is ignoring the part of speech. Here "rip" is a verb, so the answer should also work as a verb in similar sentence frames. Always place the candidate options into a simple sentence with the target word to test suitability before you decide. Final Answer: gash

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